120,000 blood pints needed yearly: Hajiji
Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025
By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Shahelmey (middle) chats with a blood donor while accompanied by Dr Maria Suleiman (right) in the event. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor wants more programmes to be implemented to raise awareness on the importance of donating blood. 'I have been informed that the daily blood requirement for Sabah is 300 units and each year, we need about 110,000 to 120,000 units to meet patients' needs.
Advertisement 'However, to date, only 75,000 units are collected each year,' he said at the State-level 2025 Nurses' Day celebrations and blood donation event held at of Queen Elizabeth II Hospital here on Tuesday. His speech was delivered by the Deputy Chief Minister III/Minister of Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya. Hajiji said collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the public sector can raise awareness on blood donation and to attract the public to become regular donors. 'Indeed, voluntary blood donatiion helps save patients' lives,' he said. Since the quality of the healthcare system heavily relies on the quality of the nursing workforce, Hajiji said investment in training, welfare, and career development for nurses is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the country's healthcare system. 'In this regard, the State Government always appreciates and supports nurses serving in Sabah who sacrifice their time and energy for the health of the people. 'I hope all nurses will continue to strive to improve the quality of healthcare services, particularly in this state,' he said. The Chief Minister paid tribute to nurses, whom he said are the backbone of the nation's healthcare system. 'The Nurses' Day celebrations is not just a symbolic event but a significant recognition of the group that serves as the backbone of the nation's healthcare system - our nurses. 'In line with this year's theme, 'Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens the Economy', the role of nurses extends beyond just being 'patient caregivers' in hospitals - they are also catalysts for community wellbeing, health educators, and frontline workers in managing health crises,' he said. Hajiji recalled the extraordinary role of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic a few years ago, not only in terms of treatment and monitoring but also in providing emotional and moral support to patients and their families. 'Some had to be separated from their families, spouses, and children in order to fulfill their responsibilities at that time. 'Indeed, they are unsung heroes who remain strong, resilient and steadfast working under various challenging situations, whether in wards, emergency units, rural health clinics, or disaster areas,' he said. Also present were Sabah Health Department director Dr Maria Suleiman, State Nurses Supervisor head Matron Damica Kunsiong, Queen Elizabeth Hospital II (QEH 11) director Dr Ferro Firdaus bin Ibrahim and QEH II Department of Transfusion Medicine head Dr Shahnaz Irwani Binti Sabri. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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